OLAFUR (OLI) HANNESON

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OLAFUR (OLI) HANNESON Olafur (Oli) Hanneson, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2012, surrounded by family, at the Vancouver General Hospital, at the age of 87. Oli was born at home, near Langruth, MB, to Mary and Hall Hanneson and was the youngest of six siblings - Arni (Irene), Arthur (Elsie), Marjorie Johnson (Palmi), Tommy (Margaret), Winnie Cameron (Frank), and Dorothy Bergthorson (Oli). Oli met and married his loving wife of 61 years, Vera (Clarke) of Teulon, MB, after she came to teach at the local school. In the early years, Oli earned his living farming and fishing in the Langruth area. In 1973, he and Vera sold their farm and, along with son Neil, moved to Vancouver, BC, where Oli quickly got a job working at Rollins Machinery. Whether on the farm, at home, or at work, Oli was very talented at fixing and repairing anything. If he did not have a part, he would simply make it out of whatever he could find on hand! Oli had many other talents and interests, as well. He was a gifted musician whose music was enjoyed by many, whether he was playing the saxophone with the Langruth Serenaders at a community dance, or playing with others at home, while friends and family sang along. Many a good time was had by all! Oli was also an active member of the community, as demonstrated by his active membership in the Elks Lodge and other community organizations. With a sincere interest in others, he could always recall people's families and life experiences. He also enjoyed curling, both in Langruth and Vancouver. Over the years he shared his varied interests and life experiences with his children and grandchildren, including his love for animals, woodworking, card games (including cribbage, on the board he made), chess, rose gardening, making Icelandic pancakes and more. Oli valued and enjoyed his Icelandic heritage. His children and grandchildren have fond memories of him teaching them the Icelandic names of their fingers, always with smiles and laughter. He avidly read the Icelandic newspaper (in Icelandic) as well as various English books of Iceland and Icelandic settlements in Manitoba. He enjoyed attending the Gimli Icelandic Festival and he and Vera, along with some family and friends, went on a memorable trip to Iceland in 1992. Oli, who was very devoted and loving, leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Vera; daughters Donna Lynne (Terry) and Brenda (Peter); son Neil (Tracy); grandchildren Paul (Joy), Christie (Mike), Amy (Marie) and Mark (Emily); great-grandchildren Blane, Drew, Jake, Max, and Zoe, as well as his sister Marjorie Johnson, half-sister Linda Hanneson, stepbrothers Rollie (Shirley), Allan (Joanne) and Art (Liz) Johnson, brother-in-law Ben Clarke (Star) and numerous nieces and nephews. A private Celebration of Life has been held in Vancouver. No other services are planned. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Langruth Lutheran Church (Grace Lutheran Church, Box 238 RPO, Langruth, MB R0H 0N0). A sincere thank you to Dr. Edward Luke for his exceptional care, commitment and compassion for Oli, for so many years. We were truly blessed to have you and your love in our lives. It has always been heartwarming to hear the many compliments people have told us about you; about how they have enjoyed your great sense of humour, your quick smile, and your amicable spirit. We will always love, cherish and miss you. Until we meet again

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2012